About Mrs. Reynolds
First of all, hello! I'm so happy that you have taken the time to visit my website. I'm really looking forward to our time together this school year and I can't wait to start our learning journey. Here's a little bit about me, I hope that you enjoy!
Why I love my job: To me, it is not just a job, it's a calling. I've known since I was in elementary school that I wanted to become a teacher, when I played school with my three younger siblings. What I truly enjoy the most is sharing my passion for lifelong learning with others... Science is the best!
I really enjoy trying new things, asking questions, working with others, and helping people. Teaching is a wonderful profession because it allows me to do all of these things and more! My students are constantly teaching me to be a better learner and an even better human.
I think that middle school students are the best because they know how to have fun, be curious, be real, be plucky, and have such interesting things to say. My students at FMS are fantastic!
My time at FMS:
11th year of teaching, currently teaching 7th grade Math and Science and 8th grade Science
ASB Advisor
Trained in AVID instruction and strategies, Leader In Me, Thinking Maps, and Restorative Practices,
NGSS Lesson Study Research Teacher
My Education:
K-12 schooling at Arcadia USD, just like you!
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Masters of Arts in Secondary Science Education- California State University, Northridge
Teaching Credentials- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Blended Credential Program)
Multiple Subject
Single Subject: Geological sciences, Biological Sciences, and General Science
Professional Development Studies in Education and Science-
University of California, Riverside and University of La Verne
Art Center Summer Institute for Teachers for Design-Based Learning
My time as a researcher:
S.T.A.R. Summer Research Intern at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory: Habitability assessment, Raman Spectroscopy, and Deep Ultra Violet fluorescence
NASA Spaceward Bound Student and Mentor Teacher, Mojave Desert Expeditions 2009, 2010 and 2012
Astrobiology field and lab research
Safety certification in Lasers, Cryogenics, Hazard Communication, and general laboratory safety
My leadership roles:
UCLA Center X NGSS Science Teacher Fellowship for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years
Cal Poly Pomona's College of Education and Integrative Studies Senator for Associated Students Incorporated (Student Government)
Cal Poly Pomona's College of Education and Integrative Studies Council President
Fun stuff about Me:
Pets: Right now I have a dumpy tree frog at home with me, his name is Tycho., and two loving kittens named Cosmic and Io. Do you see a trend here with my pet's names!?
Gardening: I've finally started to figure out how to keep non-succulent plants alive, so this is a really exciting time for me! I'm currently trying to grow in my garden: a Pineapple from a fruit crown, tomatoes, peppers, an Avocado seedling, and lots of herbs.
Outdoors: I really enjoy being outside, going hiking and camping. So far I've hiked and camped mostly in California at these places: Yosemite, Mojave Desert, Lone Pine, Morro Bay, Carpinteria State Beach, El Capitan State Beach, San Simeon State Beach, San Elijo State Beach, Carlsbad State Beach, San Clemente State Beach, Parker (near Lake Havasu), Maui Hawaii, and quite a few trails in our local San Gabriel mountains.
Cooking: I pretty much cook dinner at home every night, except for when I'm craving food from a specific restaurant. As much as I enjoy cooking, baking is my true passion. My favorites to bake are cookies and soft pretzels.
Food: I love bread! I also love pizza, home made fruit 'n' veggie smoothies and the simple pleasures of a Taco Bell Crunch Wrap.
Music: Growing up I learned how to play the viola, and I've been wanting to reconnect recently. I really enjoy listening to classical and various subgenres of rock & alternative music. I don't think that I can choose one band as my favorite, there are so many great ones out there!
Crafting: I am really into doing arts and crafts, it is one of my favorite hobbies! I've dabbled in painting, bead work, wireworking, jewelry soldering, macrame, and origami, just to name a few. I've recently discovered the exciting world of punch needle artwork, which is super fascinating to me.
Science: I really enjoy doing science, even outside of the classroom... conducting experiments, reading articles, watching science videos, and even listening to science podcasts (check out NPR's daily science podcast "Short Wave").
